Funny Bones Comedy Show & Awards Night

The event celebrated the Placer SPCA’s 45th anniversary serving the pets and people of Placer County, and its upcoming move to Phase I of the organization’s new animal welfare facility in Roseville. Guests enjoyed a live and silent auction, the comedy of Jack Gallagher, dinner and drinks, and a Grand Prize Drawing sponsored by C.G. Di Arie Vineyard & Winery.

The evening also included the Placer SPCA’s annual Hero Award presentation, honoring animals and people who exemplify kindness and compassion to others.

2018 award winners were celebrated

Deputy Stan Semenuk, a Placer County Sheriff K9 handler. Deputy Semenuk was driving on westbound I-80 when he saw a bloodhound, later identified as Ruger, run across the eastbound lanes of traffic. Ruger jumped over the center divide, ran into the westbound lanes, and was pinned under a vehicle. Deputy Semenuk used his car to block traffic, saved Ruger, and calmed and cared for him until he was taken to a local vet hospital. Ruger is now safe at home with his very grateful family.

Colleen Adamson, a lifelong animal lover. Colleen has been saving animals since she was a young girl, and has a special affinity for senior and special needs animals. Colleen has opened her heart and home, which she has named her “Land of Misfit Toys,” to hundreds of animals in need over the years.

Gold Country Wildlife, a local non-profit which seeks to protect, care for, and successfully release at-risk wildlife back to their natural habitats. Gold Country Wildlife was awarded for their efforts to save a coyote with a jar stuck on her head. The organization trapped and saved this severely dehydrated and malnourished coyote, and after months of medical care, successfully released her back into the wild.

Scout, a small lab mix that arrived at the Placer SPCA with separation anxiety. Scout was quickly paired with 4 Paws 2 Freedom, a nonprofit that helps veterans and First Responders with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder train their own dog to become a service animal. Scout was paired with Chaplain Ward Cockerton, a veteran, retired SacMetro Fire Chaplain, and First Responder at Ground Zero on 9/11. Ward and Scout were due to graduate in February, but sadly, didn’t make it to that day. Ward lost his life to a severe stroke just days before. Scout is now paired with Janelle Dozier, an Army Veteran who has been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon. He is a true hero to heroes.

Thanks to the generosity of Placer SPCA’s supporters, the event raised $111,000 for animals in need. All proceeds will help the organization continue its work to provide lifesaving programs and services that benefit the people and pets of our community.

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